Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department has set an ambitious goal to cultivate hybrid rice across 25,200 hectares using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method during the 2025–26 Kharif season. This initiative aims to boost rice production and reduce the state’s reliance on external supplies to meet growing demand.
During a visit to the Simna Assembly Constituency, State Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath participated in a symbolic paddy transplantation event to promote agricultural engagement among farmers and young people. He emphasized the importance of modern farming techniques to enhance productivity.
In the 2024–25 season, Tripura cultivated hybrid rice on 35,000 hectares, with 8,630 hectares during the Kharif season and 26,370 hectares in the Rabi season. The state’s total paddy cultivation spans around 1.5 million kani annually (1 kani equals approximately 0.16 hectares), including 901,000 kani for Aman paddy, 394,000 kani for Boro paddy, and 85,000 kani for jhum (shifting) cultivation.
Food Security and Production Goals
Minister Nath noted that 30 of Tripura’s 58 administrative blocks, primarily in South Tripura, Gomati, and Sepahijala districts, have achieved food self-sufficiency. However, the state still faces a rice production shortfall. In 2024–25, Tripura’s rice demand reached 877,000 metric tonnes (MT), while production stood at 830,000 MT, leaving a deficit of approximately 47,000 MT. This gap has grown since 2017–18, when demand was 826,000 MT against a production of 770,000 MT.
To address this, the government is promoting hybrid rice varieties and the SRI method, which involves transplanting young seedlings (within 20 days) to maximize yields. The SRI technique can increase output by up to 80 kg per kani, offering a significant boost to productivity. The state is also providing financial aid, high-quality seeds, and technical support to farmers adopting these methods.
Broader Vision and Support
Nath highlighted the central government’s push to position India as a global leader in food grain production and export. He echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, stating that agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy, with unmatched potential in rice exports. Tripura’s efforts align with this goal, focusing on improving farmers’ incomes and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth.
The state is also investing in infrastructure to support farmers. This includes better access to irrigation, modern farming equipment, and training programs to encourage the adoption of advanced techniques like SRI. By increasing the area under hybrid rice cultivation, Tripura aims to close the production-demand gap and strengthen food security.
Community Engagement
During his visit to Simna, Minister Nath interacted with local farmers, urging them to embrace hybrid varieties and SRI methods. The symbolic transplantation drive was designed to inspire younger generations to take up farming, ensuring the sector’s long-term sustainability.
With these initiatives, Tripura is taking significant steps toward self-reliance in rice production while contributing to India’s broader agricultural ambitions.
